Banks says Ronaldo disrespectful

Updated 07.12 Sun Jul 13 2008

Keywords: Cristiano Ronaldo, honour, Sepp Blatter, football, Stoke-on-Trent, goalkeeper, Gordon Banks, Pele, statue

Former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of showing a lack of respect to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Earlier this week the FIFA president was asked about Ronaldo's current situation and he replied that players who are tied to long-term contracts were treated like slaves. Ronaldo later said he agreed with Blatter's comments.

"It's like anything in life. If a businessman signs a contract then he has to honour it. It' s no different than a professional footballer" - Former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks

Banks said he could not understand why Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals for United last season, would want to move away from Old Trafford to Real Madrid: "I can't understand why he said he felt he was being treated like a slave. If he has just signed a new contract then he should respect his manager and honour it. It's stupid."

"I don't understand what the problem is. He plays for a team that has just won the European Cup and the Premier League. He plays for his country. What more does he want?

"It's like anything in life. If a businessman signs a contract then he has to honour it. It' s no different than a professional footballer."

Banks was speaking at a press conference ahead of a charity match in his honour when a Banks XI will take on a Pele XI at Stoke's Britannia stadium.